Playing board games is more than just passing time—it’s about collaboration and camaraderie.
Photo: Ateneo Intellectual Property Office
In an innovative leap away from traditional workshop formats, the Ateneo Intellectual Property Office (AIPO) successfully conducted the “Innovative Leadership Workshop through Game-Based Learning (GBL)” on May 29 and 30, 2025 at the QC M.I.C.E. Center, in partnership with Gaming Library and with the support of the Local Government of Quezon City.
The engaging workshop, held as part of the All aBOARD EXPO 2025, showcased the power of game-based learning as a tool to enhance strategic thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving—skills essential to innovation leadership in the 21st century. Nearly 50 participants from various government units attended the two-day session.
This unique learning experience applied the Ignatian Pedagogical Paradigm—Experience, Reflection, and Action—through board games like Avalon and Pandemic. Each session guided participants through structured play and personal reflection, culminating in actionable insights for real-life leadership challenges.
“Contrary to the saying that experience is the best teacher, it is actually reflected experience that leads to meaningful action,” shared Mr. George “GQ” Quitoriano, AIPO’s Resident Entrepreneur and one of the lead facilitators.
The workshop highlighted how board games can foster key leadership competencies such as critical thinking, creativity, communication, and collaboration in an engaging and replayable format. Participants were encouraged to internalize lessons from gameplay and apply them to their work and day-to-day decision-making.
Photo: Ateneo Intellectual Property Office
This initiative builds on a successful pilot run conducted at the Ateneo de Manila University’s Loyola Heights campus. Its expansion into the city-wide All aBOARD EXPO signals growing recognition of AIPO’s role in reimagining education and capacity-building through play.
Building on the momentum, the All aBOARD Expo 2025 stood as a historic celebration of board game culture in the Philippines. Drawing thousands of enthusiasts and geeks from across the world, the successful event featured mind-blowing activities, exciting tournaments, and opportunities to bring home your favorite (or newly discovered) board game.
If you missed this year’s board gaming event, don’t worry—there’s another one coming next year!
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